As the rain fades and has golden light of autumn, India comes alive with anticipation for one of its most nurtured and dynamic festivals – Dura Puja. Also known as Durgotsava or Sharadotswa, this five -day festival pays tribute to Goddess Durga, which is a symbol of the eternal victory of good over evil.
Festivals dates: When the festival comes out
While the Bada Navari extends for nine days, Durga Puja’s heart is in five vibrant days – from Maha Shashathi to Vijaya Dashami. In 2025, the celebrations come on the following dates:
Add Zee News as a favorite source
Palace – Sunday, September 21, 2025: Start of Goddess side and call to Goddess.
Maha Shashathi – Sunday, September 28, 2025: Durga Puja’s formal beginning.
Maha Saptami – Monday, September 29, 2025
Maha Ashtami – Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Maha navami – Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Vijaya Dashami – Thursday, October 2, 2025: The Grand Finale of the Celebration.
Deep meaning: Goddess and her victory
Durga Puja reminds of the mythological battle between Goddess Durga and shape-shift demon Mahishasura. When the gods could not overcome the terror of Mahishasura, they broadcast their energies to make Durga – a fierce, kind and powerful warrior Devi. He is an incarnation of power, or divine female energy, and her victory symbolizes the last defeat of darkness by light.
Beyond its mythological roots, there is deep cultural, social and economic resonance in the festival – especially in West Bengal, where it promotes creativity, entrepreneurship and a strong sense of the community.
The Celebrations: Whore Faith Met Festival
Durga Puja is more than a ritual-it is a multi-sensory cultural event. Here it is unforgettable:
Artistic pandal: At the center of the festival is a wonderful pandal, where the beautifully prepared idols of Durga and her children- Lakshmi, Saraswati, Ganesh and Karthikeya are displayed. These temporary structures, which are often based on detailed subjects, attract millions of visitors and are one will for India’s rich artistic heritage.
Splash Dhadak and Bhakti Music: A traditional drum, the resonant beat of the blow, is the infallible sound of Durga Puja. It creates a rhythm of an artificial sleep that fills the air with divine energy and celebration.
Maha supple: On this day, Nabapatrika rituals are performed, where nine holy plants are worshiped, which represent nine forms of Durga. A banana plant dressed with a saree – known as Cola Boo Boo – is the symbol of a new bride, bathing in holy water.
Maha Ashtami: Assuming the holiest day of worship, thousands gather for Ashtami Anjali (Prayer Prasad). Kumari Puja, where young girls are revered as living goddess, and powerful Sandhi Puja – are spread in accurate transition from Ashtami to Navami – are emotional and spiritual highlights.
Maha Navami: The ceremonies reach an peak with the service of Maha Aarti and Bhog, a sacred community food that brings people together in social division.
Vijaya Dashami: The grand conclusion of the festival. The idols are taken in joyful processions and immersed in water, making the goddess a return to her astronomical residence. Before immersion, married women attach to vermilion, smear vermilion on each other’s faces – a lively expression of sister and marital blessings.
(This article means only for your general information. Zee News does not pledge for its accuracy or credibility.)
